An area that has historically been defined by its colossal, now disused power station and picturesque riverside, Battersea has transitioned into a London neighbourhood that offers some of the best examples of modern living. With beautiful views of the city, an ever-growing thriving local community, and brilliant transport links across London, the area’s reputation has soared to new heights whilst holding on to its distinctive heritage.
Battersea is a much broader area than many may realise, with its boundaries stretching as far as Clapham and Balham, Wandsworth and Vauxhall. The inter-connectivity between these neighborhoods and Battersea only further enhances its appeal, with a plethora of activities to enjoy in the local area, of which the following are among the easiest to recommend.
Battersea Power Station and Lift 109
After decades of dormancy, the Grade II-listed building has been reimagined as a striking new development. With 254 beautiful apartments being built within the structure, including penthouses with exquisite views of the London skyline, the transformation has been remarkable. The Power Station is now home to an impressive arcade – the territory of high-end retailers such as Rolex and Chanel, as well as home to a myriad of other retailers, gyms, bars and restaurants.
Fiume delivers a southern Italian menu with strong seafood dishes and river views, whilst the pan-Indian powerhouse Dishoom has opened the doors to yet another of their excellent restaurants in Battersea Power Station. Control Room B is a cocktail bar inside a restored turbine control room, and offers 1950s interiors with a thematic menu themed around power and invention.
The area’s standout attraction, however, is Lift 109. This glass elevator takes visitors up through one of the north-west chimneys, opening up to a 360-degree viewing platform, 109 metres above ground. The result is sweeping views across the Thames, impressive enough to rival the likes of the Shard, also visible as part of the panorama.
In the colder months, the square in front of the Power Station transforms into an ice rink, with a full-blown Christmas market complete with food stalls and pop-up bars around the perimeter. This area is much more than just a building, but rather the completion of a bold reimagining of one of London’s most famous landmarks into something very special.
Battersea Park
Directly next door to the imposing figure of the power station, Battersea Park offers a completely different experience to the chic industrial site. Spanning over 200 acres, it blends classic Victorian landscaping with riverside walking paths, children’s play areas, and more than a few treasures hidden away from the public eye.
At the heart of the park is the Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist monument built in the 1980s framed by beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and golden foliage throughout autumn. Walkers and joggers favour the Thames-side path here, which runs parallel to the river and connects to Chelsea Bridge, with sweeping views of the embankment. Away from the river, the Boating Lake is open for rowing through the summer months and offers an ideal spot for a picnic. The Pump House Gallery, set in a former water tower adjacent to the lake, hosts exhibitions and creative workshops throughout the year as a hub for the local arts community.
Tucked away in a quieter section of the park is the Children’s Zoo, a family favourite known for its interactive enclosures and the select number of exotic creatures that call it home. Capuchin monkeys, meerkats, emus and otters, along with domesticated animals in a hands-on petting area, make it a fun day out for families with young children. The zoo adapts to the seasons, with pumpkin hunts in autumn and animal-themed, light-up trails at Christmas. There’s a strong educational thread throughout, with staff-led talks and feeding sessions that introduce conservation themes in an accessible way for children and broaden their understanding of the natural world.
Northcote Road
Although linking Battersea and Clapham Junction, Northcote Road feels like a neighbourhood within a neighbourhood – an interesting blend between both localities with a mixture of affluent and fiercely independent local shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. Every Saturday, the road is dominated by the open-air market, which is a big draw for shoppers from all over the area, as dozens of stalls set up shop selling flowers, cheese, handmade crafts, and vintage homeware.
Exploring the market is a highlight of the local area, although avid walkers can take the opportunity to go and explore Clapham Common on foot, before looping back up to Battersea, via Wandsworth. Coffee and brunch options are in abundance along the way, with Megan’s providing a Mediterranean-style menu and fairy-lit interior, while The Bolingbroke, a beautiful gastropub, remains a reliable stopping point for hungry visitors.
Exploring the Riverside
A major advantage of Battersea’s local geography is its access to the River Thames. The riverside path between the Power Station and Battersea Park offers one of the most scenic walks in London, particularly at night, thanks to the glowing lights of the Chelsea and Battersea bridge. Crossing Chelsea Bridge connects you quickly to the King's Road and Sloane Square, and the views are nothing short of magical, especially when the Power Station is lit up at night.
During the coldest months of the year, the area is given a very distinct, warm glow courtesy of the Battersea Light Festival, which illuminates both the riverfront and the power station with spectacular displays throughout January and February. Walking the riverside on a warm summer’s day down to Wandsworth Pier, before taking a ferry or water taxi back, is the perfect way to appreciate this beautiful part of the Thames both by land and water.
Battersea Dogs Home
Battersea’s most famous charitable institution is also a great place for a day out for pet lovers and those wanting to learn more about the important work at Battersea Dogs Home, as well as their contributions to animal welfare and rescue across the UK. Founded in 1860, it remains one of the country’s leading rehoming centres, has helped shift public attitudes towards pet adoption, and has played a leading role in advocating for better protection of pets and tighter conditions on pet ownership.
Visitors can pre-book tours and meet some of the animals at the shelter, including the opportunity to get plenty of interaction with some of the loveable animals that call the centre home, with all proceeds supporting the charity’s work. Whilst many of Battersea’s attractions are hallmarks of the area’s affluence, Battersea Dogs Home is one of the biggest pillars of the local community, with fundraisers and awareness days happening continuously throughout the year.
